Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer.
Every year there are around 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the United States. About 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 30 and is often associated with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, primarily through sexual contact. Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point, however, there are only certain types of HPV that lead to cancer.
Screening tests are available to help detect cervical cancer, and when it’s found early, cervical cancer has a high survival rate and low rate of recurrence and metastasis.
A Pap smear (Pap test) looks for precancers (cells that may develop into cancer in the future) on the cervix that may lead to cancer, as well as active cervical cancer. Detecting cancer early with a Pap test can greatly increase a patient’s chance of survival should there be abnormal results.
What is a Pap test?
The Pap test involves the collection of cells from the cervix by a doctor during an exam. The test can reveal abnormalities in the cells of the cervix that may turn into cancer in the future, as well as detect cells that have already become cancerous.
Test results are often available in a few days to a few weeks. A negative result is a good thing and means there were no precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. A positive result doesn’t always mean there is precancer or cancer, but can also mean that there are mild cell changes, an infection, or a lab error.
Who needs a Pap test?
Since precancer is rare in women under age 20, the recommendation is that women get their first Pap test at age 21. For women under 21, a pap test is not recommended, and not recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy for a non-cancer issue or disease.
For women age 21–29, a Pap test is recommended every three years if the tests remain normal. Women age 30–65 should talk to their doctor about getting a Pap test. Women older than age 65 no longer need to be screened if they’ve had normal screening tests for several years, haven’t had precancerous cells in the past, or have had their cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition.
Talking about Pap tests is an important part of health care.
Joslyn Paguio, a cervical cancer survivor told Breaking Cancer News that her first Pap test was unexpected. “I didn’t know I was there for the Pap test and didn’t know what it was for,” she said. “The doctor didn’t tell me anything about it or what she was doing.” Joslyn went on to explain the importance of education.
Now Joslyn is a full advocate of getting the Pap test as early detection for cervical cancer. Even after having a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer, she still goes every year for the test and suggests all individuals with a cervix get tested regularly.
What if a doctor says you have cervical cancer?
Ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who has been trained women’s reproductive cancers. The extent of the cancer had to do with the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. There are many forms of treatments, including clinical trials. The doctor will work with you to find the right treatment plan based on this information.
Finding the right doctor for you is key.
Gilma Pereda, a cervical cancer patient, explained one of the most difficult parts of her journey was not feeling the support of her oncologist. “I was very open to confront him,” Gilma told BreakingCancerNews.com. “I said you need to tell people things otherwise it’s like I cannot trust you anymore.” When looking for a physician who would be the right fit, Gilma says, “I asked a lot of questions.” Gilma says if you find your doctor isn’t communicating well with you to change doctors and try again.
Your doctor needs to be someone you trust, makes you feel comfortable, and who will work with you.
Cervical cancer death rates have dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening.
Pap tests offer the best chance to find and prevent cervical cancer. Precancerous cells may be able to be treated before they have a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Not all Americans with a cervix are getting screened or screened regularly. It’s important that all individuals with a cervix who are of age be tested for cervical cancer.
If you have a low income or do not have health insurance you may be able to get free or low-cost screening tests through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
